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Faye threw the door open and found Sparrow and Vashien sitting in the kitchen. Her sister stood bleary eyed. Faye ran to her, nearly taking her to the ground as she threw her arms around her.
Sparrow squeezed her, just holding her for long moments.
“How did you get back? I was so worried.” Sparrow pulled back and grabbed Faye’s face between her hands, searching her eyes before pulling her into a tight embrace.
Faye held her, smoothing her hair. Sparrow looked awful. Her eyes were swollen, and her cheeks were red and splotchy.
Chairs dragged and Faye was shoved by strong dark green membranous wings. Her sister released her, pushing her behind her as well. Past Vashien’s outspread wings Faye glimpsed a tailored black suit.
A long, wicked blade appeared in Vashien’s hand. The next moment it ripped from his grasp and embedded halfway into the wall.
“Stop!” Faye shoved past her friends to get in front of Rune. She touched his chest, meeting his chilling blue gaze. Turning to her friends she repeated, “Stop.”
Rune canted his head and the corner of his mouth lifted. “Attack me and I will retaliate.”
Sparrow yanked her away from Rune. “Are you returning her?” To Faye she said, “I petitioned for your release, but the High Queen denied it.”
Feel free to call your court to war against the Shadow Prince.The High Queen’s parting words filled Faye with fury. “She came. She’s a bitch.”
Vashien stood between them, fanning his wings out. “She won’t stand against him. He was her consort. The High Queen favors him.”
Rune arched his brow. “Are you court born or just a gossip?”
Faye glanced Rune’s way. “Can I have some privacy?”
“That was not part of our bargain.” Rune brushed past Vashien’s wing and pulled out the closest chair at her kitchen table, taking a seat.
Sparrow turned toward her, widening her eyes. The word bargain formed silently on her lips.
“He’s still holding me hostage. We’re working out a schedule.”
“Honey, why is your robe ripped? And you’re so skinny. Is he starving you?” Sparrow turned to Rune. “You can’t just keep her.”
His smile was humorless. “I assure you I can.”
Faye schooled her expression as his cruel words replayed in her mind.
I am more than capable of keeping you alive. It will be unpleasant, and you will never see your sister again.
Faye went along with thedignityhe granted her, wondering how long it would take the arrogant Shadow Prince to admit this was fate and not a spell. “His Familiar called me a political prisoner.”
“It’s customary to host her court if you are requiring her presence.” Vashien volunteered the information.
Sparrow snorted. “Requiring her presence. Is that dark court talk for kidnapping?”
Faye eyed Rune. He didn’t deny it. “You keep telling me to act like a dark-blood. I want my court with me.”
He glanced up at her, his expression bored. “No.”
“You need me.” Rune thinned his lips. “And I help with the orphanage in town.” When Rune narrowed his eyes at her, Faye continued. “You’ll have it repaired and staffed like a Necromian orphanage.”
“You try the extent of my benevolence.”
“Do these things, and I will cooperate.”
Rune exhaled and turned to her friends. “If you join her, you will remain in Hell until my task is completed.”
Sparrow snorted. “We’re a package deal.”
